Each year about 4.7 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs.
Approximately 80% of those bites are by dogs we know and interact
with on a regular basis. The San Bernardino County Animal Care &
Control (ACC) Program would like to remind dog owners the law states
that dogs are to be properly contained on one’s property, restrained
on a leash when going out for walks, and licensed, which requires a
rabies vaccination, if they are over four (4) months of age. Abiding by
these laws shows you are a responsible pet owner who not only cares
about protecting you and your dog, but also your community.

It is also important to enroll your dog in an obedience training class
and make sure they are spayed/neutered. Well-behaved dogs are
more enjoyable to be around and dogs that are spayed/neutered are
much less likely to bite.

If your dog does ever bite someone it is important to make sure the victim receives
treatment right away. It is also important to immediately contact your local animal
control agency so a report can be filed. Contrary to popular belief, your dog will
not automatically be euthanized. Your dog will however, be placed under quarantine
(isolation) for ten (10) days so it can be observed for signs of rabies. This can
be done at your home if authorities are satisfied with the containment area or it
can take place at your local animal shelter. If after the ten (10) days the dog
appears to be healthy, then the dog will be released from quarantine and will no
longer need to be kept isolated (and can return home). The quarantine period is
a safety precaution that allows animal control to contain possible rabies outbreaks.
Rabies is a very serious disease that can be fatal to both animals and humans. On
the positive side, there has not been an outbreak of rabies in the canine population
in this county since
1948.